Former post office buildings or locations.

Former Chattanooga Tennessee Post Office and Courthouse

June 13, 2015 By David W. Gates Jr.

Former Chattanooga Tennessee Post Office 37402

ADDRESS: 31 E. 11th St., Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

This beautiful building is now the Eastern Tennessee US Bankruptcy Court. I had the pleasure of visiting back in December of 2014. It is almost impossible to photograph in this congested area.

I was also pleased to see the “Old Post Office” plaque and that it’s also on the National Register of Historic Places.

What do you make of this beautiful building?

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Sources

Personal visit on 12/22/2014 by David W. Gates Jr.
United States Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Tennessee
National Register of Historic Places

Former Johnson City Tennessee Post Office

June 6, 2015 By David W. Gates Jr.

Former Johnson City TN Post Office 37601

ADDRESS: 338 E. Main St., Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601
ARTIST: Wendell Jones
TITLE: Farmer Family
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The mural no longer reside in the original building shown here. It was moved to the Charles C. Sherrod Library on the campus of Eastern Tennessee University. The mural is on display in the testing center room and is accessible to members of the public.
YEAR: 1940

When I arrived in Johnson City I headed over to the new post office building. I found myself asking a postal employee where the original building was located. It was difficult to follow the directions I was given. The one-way streets added to the difficult in navigating around the area.

I eventually found the building on main street. There wasn’t a lot of parking so, I was forced to drive around the block several times before settling on spot a few blocks away. I took my photos of the exterior of the building. When I was finished I walked up to the front door thinking it was open and I’d able to see the lobby. Unfortunately, the doors were locked, and I was met with skepticism as the lady inside did not buzz me in. Instead she approached the front door and just cracked it open enough to inquire what I wanted. This seemed a bit odd to me but I guess I hadn’t shaved and looked a bit out of character with my camera, tripod, wrinkly cloths and unshaven appearance. I wasn’t able to get inside the lobby and was told to visit the library for more information on the building.

Since I knew the artwork wasn’t here I wasn’t entirely disappointed. I’ve got to believe there are other people out there that are interested in this old building. I find it hard to believe I’m be the only one who has inquire about it just walking up to the front door. Maybe the lady at the door was unaware of the significance or history.

The building is now owed by a local TV station. It appears they may be trying to “hide” or cover up that it was once a post office. If you view the photos below you can see how they covered the engraved stone at the top of the building. It’s kinda funny but for some reason it wasn’t entirely covered and you can still see the “Office” towards the top right of the facade.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Why the mystery and cover up? Maybe the TV station is tired of getting people looking for the post office? Maybe the public still think it’s still a post office? Strange! What do you think? Please comment and share below.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Former Johnson City Tennessee Post Office 37601

Former Johnson City Tennessee Post Office 37601 Corner Stone

After further research I’ve discovered the mural that once resided here has been moved to the Eastern Tennessee State University Charles C. Sherrod Library. So after a bit of driving around and trying to find a parking spot again. I found myself roaming the library. This is a really big place and I didn’t feel like aimlessly walking around with equipment so I asked at the front desk. I met a wonderful lady who graciously tried to find out more about the mural. I was also informed the mural now resides in the testing center.

One thing that struck me right away was how relative everything is. The Johnson City Post Office Mural is big, and I can only imagine how this must have looked inside the old building. However, after viewing this mural on the HUGE wall of the library, it also seemed small. This is what I mean when I mention how relative the setting makes when viewing art of this size. I’m sure the mural appeared large on the wall of the post office. Viewing it displayed on the wall in the library it almost seems small because of the massive space in the room. Does that make any sense? This is a big mural and I took a lot of photographs to get as much of the details as I could. I’m delighted the mural has been saved and protected within the confines of the University.

Charles C. Sherrod Library on the campus of Eastern Tennessee University. The mural resides on the first floor testing center towards the back as you enter the building. Please comment and share your impressions of this mural below.

Former Johnson City Tennessee Post Office Mural 37601 Description

Former Johnson City Tennessee Post Office Mural 37601 Detail

Former Johnson City Tennessee Post Office Mural 37601 Full

Former Johnson City Tennessee Post Office Mural 37601 Left Side

Former Johnson City Tennessee Post Office Mural 37601 Right Side

Sources

Personal visit on 9/05/2014 and by David W. Gates Jr.
Tennessee Post Office Murals by David W. Gates Jr.
Tennessee Post Office Mural Guidebook by David W. Gates Jr.
(affiliate link) Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz
(affiliate link): Tennessee Post Office Murals: Howard Hull

Former Greeneville Tennessee Post Office

April 18, 2015 By David W. Gates Jr.

Former Greenville TN Post Office 37743 — Former Greeneville TN Post Office 37743

ADDRESS: 101 W. Summer St., Greeneville, Tennessee 37743
ARTIST: William Zorach
TITLE: Man Power & Natural Resources
MEDIUM: Wood (reliefs)
STATUS: The wood reliefs no longer reside in the original building shown here. They were moved to the newer court house building on Depot St. The reliefs are in a court room and NOT readily accessible to members of the public.
YEAR: 1940

What a great looking building. Today’s featured building is the old Greeneville, court-house and post office. My initial research told me there was a wood carving here. So naturally I was excited the bank was open and I was able to enter the lobby. There wasn’t much going on when I visited, and everyone seemed interested in this stranger from Chicago asking about the building.

I eventually met a gentleman that knew the fate of the old wood carvings and informed me they are now at the new court-house on Depot street. While we were chatting I also observed the old photos of the building. I excitedly asked if I could photograph them and was granted permission. The interesting thing is that when I was talking about Howard Hull’s book. The man I was talking to was also named Hull. To this day we are unsure if there is any relation but it was an interesting conservation piece. I finished admiring the old photos and wanted to visit the new court-house to find out the status of the wood carvings. I thanked the people at the bank and headed over to the new court-house.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Former Greeneville Tennessee Post Office 37743

Former Greeneville Tennessee Post Office 37743 Artifacts

Former Greeneville Tennessee Post Office 37743 from 1904

After some investigation while in Greeneville, I learned the wood reliefs have been moved to the new court-house. I was not allowed to photograph but was able to secure the follow images from a local resident. Since this is a new modern building it comes with all the hassle of having to go through a metal detector and showing photo ID just to enter the building. After my security check I was told to wait around for one of the security guards to accompany me to court-room 420. I had no idea how long this was going to take but I was patient and eventually the guard showed up. Your name escapes me now but you also had a lot of knowledge of the area. It was great hearing about the town from a local person. Thank you so much for showing me the wood carvings. I sincerely appreciate everything you shared with me.